Blog
The Pulse
South Asia is a story of promise and peril where Asia’s conflicting forces of modernity and reaction meet head on. Home to a multitude of different cultures, ethnicities, and religions, The Diplomat's regional correspondents and experts will provide the insight you need to navigate one of the world's most consequential regions.
Is Rohingya Repatriation Finally Moving Forward?
By Saume Saptaparna Nath
A group of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh recently visited Myanmar’s Rakhine State to lay the groundwork for repatriation. Is Myanmar serious about the effort?
Bhutanese Refugee Scam Puts Nepal’s Political Leaders Under Scrutiny
By Prakash Neupane
Nepal is in an uproar over high-ranking politicians’ involvement in a scheme to fake refugee status for Nepalis hoping to move to the U.S.
Rights Groups Oppose Trial of Pakistani Protesters in Military Courts
By Munir Ahmed
Following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan last week, his supporters torched buildings, including police and military facilities.
Is Pakistan’s Powerful Military on the Ropes?
By Kiyya Baloch
There is a powerful surge of public anger against the military's political interference. But Pakistan's civilian politicians are too caught up in their personal feuds to capitalize on the movement.
Victory in Karnataka State Election Boosts India’s Congress Party
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
While all opposition parties celebrated the BJP's defeat, some of them are alarmed by the prospect of a revived Congress.
Government Supporters Call for Pakistani Chief Justice to Quit
By Munir Ahmed
Critics are accusing Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial of bias for releasing ex-PM Imran Khan.
Pakistan’s People Are Fleeing Not Only Economic Crisis But Extremism
By Arsalan Bilal
Policymakers in Pakistan need to set the country’s house in order and work to convince its youth, its future leaders, that the country is worth staying in and building up.
Islamabad Court Grants Imran Khan Bail
By Munir Ahmed
The government has vowed to find a way to get the former PM back into custody, which would spur violent protests again.
Is the Crisis in Pakistan Good for India?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The current crisis in Pakistan may turn out to be a challenge for New Delhi after all.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court Orders Release of Former PM Imran Khan
By Munir Ahmed and Riazat Butt
His arrest sparked violence earlier this week and now Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ruled it illegal.
Pakistan Cracks Down on Former PM Imran Khan’s Supporters, Arresting Thousands
By Munir Ahmed
The arrests followed mob attacks on government buildings, military installations, and public places in response to Khan’s arrest on Tuesday.
Sri Lankan Ports Need Investment and China Steps In
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Several Chinese delegations have traveled to Sri Lanka in recent months and Chinese investments could spike, prompting alarmist reporting in the Indian media.